Small Business Friendly Program
Bundaberg Regional Council has joined the Queensland Small Business Program.
Small businesses are at the heart of the Bundaberg Region economy and community. They create jobs, grow local economies and provide essential goods and services.
Council already runs a number of programs to support small businesses - Bundaberg Jobs Commitment, Bundaberg Region ECO Certification and regulatory and compliance support services - but we would like to do more.
As part of the Small Business Friendly Program, Council will commit to the following:
- We agree to be small business friendly
- We will actively communicate and engage with small businesses.
- We will raise the profile and capability of small businesses.
- We will promote and showcase small businesses.
- We will develop and promote place-based programs for small businesses.
- We will simplify administration and regulation for small business (red tape reduction)
- We will ensure fair procurement and prompt payment terms for small businesses.
- We will support small business resilience and recovery
- We will measure and report on our performances.
Small Business Friendly Program is a Queensland Small Business Commissioner program.
Small Business Survey
Bundaberg Regional Council is surveying small businesses in the Bundaberg region as part of our Small Business Friendly Council Program.
Please note: the survey should take around 3 minutes to complete (depending on complexity of your answers).
Bundaberg Regional Council has joined the Queensland Small Business Program.
Small businesses are at the heart of the Bundaberg Region economy and community. They create jobs, grow local economies and provide essential goods and services.
Council already runs a number of programs to support small businesses - Bundaberg Jobs Commitment, Bundaberg Region ECO Certification and regulatory and compliance support services - but we would like to do more.
As part of the Small Business Friendly Program, Council will commit to the following:
- We agree to be small business friendly
- We will actively communicate and engage with small businesses.
- We will raise the profile and capability of small businesses.
- We will promote and showcase small businesses.
- We will develop and promote place-based programs for small businesses.
- We will simplify administration and regulation for small business (red tape reduction)
- We will ensure fair procurement and prompt payment terms for small businesses.
- We will support small business resilience and recovery
- We will measure and report on our performances.
Small Business Friendly Program is a Queensland Small Business Commissioner program.
Small Business Survey
Bundaberg Regional Council is surveying small businesses in the Bundaberg region as part of our Small Business Friendly Council Program.
Please note: the survey should take around 3 minutes to complete (depending on complexity of your answers).
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Plastic Free CQ comes to Bundaberg
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkWe are excited to announce that Plastic Free CQ will be working with our local food retailers as they adapt to the single-use plastic free future.
The Qld State Government introduced the first phase of its single-use plastic ban in 2021 as part of a national effort to combat plastic pollution, with more changes to come. Plastic Free CQ will be assisting Bundaberg businesses as part of their transition, with funding provided by the Queensland State Government.
Food retailers, like cafes, bars, restaurants, kiosks & vans are eligible for the program. The focus is on single-use plastic takeaway items that retailers can find hard to eliminate, such as straws, coffee cups and takeaway containers.
Globally the packaging industry is changing very fast, and it is hard for businesses to keep up and identify products that suit their needs. At the same time, more and more locals are actively looking for plastic-free takeaway options. So we’re thrilled our businesses will be able to receive free on ground support and expert advice with Plastic Free CQ.
If you, or anyone you know, own a food or beverage related business within the Bundaberg region, you can join at www.plasticfreeplaces.org/cq-join
Please feel free to contact Kate Giles, Tourism Sustainability Officer at Bundaberg Regional Council for further information at kate.giles@bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
Follow Project
Timeline
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Signing of Small Business Friendly Charter
Small Business Friendly Program has finished this stageOn Tuesday 22 November, 2022 Mayor Jack Dempsey signed the Charter with Maree Adshead, Small Business Commissioner and the Hon Dianne Farmer, Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skiils Development.
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Chambers of Commerce to sign Charter
Small Business Friendly Program has finished this stage31 January 2023 - The Presidents of the Chambers of Commerce in the Bundaberg Region - Greg Collier (Gin Gin), Tim Sayre (Bundaberg and District) and Margaret Smith (Childers) signed the Small Business Friendly Program Charter with Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb and Mayor Jack Dempsey.
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Bundaberg Business Breakfast
Small Business Friendly Program has finished this stageTuesday 21 March 2023 - Making your business eco-smart is smart business
Join us for the Inaugural Bundaberg Business Breakfast, with ecoBiz and Ecotourism Australia presenting.
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Bundaberg Business Breakfast - Thursday 13 April 2023
Small Business Friendly Program has finished this stageKicking goals: Developing commercial and charitable partnerships.
In this second instalment, attendees will learn more about developing commercial and charitable partnerships. We are pleased to welcome Aaron Warburton, Chief Executive Officer at Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs Rugby League Club and Russell Postle, Chairman at Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) to explain the benefits of commercial and charitable partnerships between organisations and how this benefits the entire region.
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Bundaberg Business Breakfast - Thursday 18 May 2023
Small Business Friendly Program has finished this stage7am - 8.30am: Bundaberg Multiplex Sport and Convention Centre
Please join us for the May Bundaberg Business Breakfast, where the Hon. Bruce Billson, ASBFEO will explain the mission of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman and how his role and office exists to help ensure Australia is the best place to start, grow and transform as small business and family enterprise.
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Bundaberg Business Breakfast - Tuesday 27th June, 2023
Small Business Friendly Program has finished this stageDriving investments: trends and data with guest speakers Katrina Houghton from .id and Jonathan Pavetto from AEC
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Small Business Survey
Small Business Friendly Program has finished this stageThe Bundaberg Region Small Business Survey is now open.
You can access the online survey here.
If you need a paper copy please email engagement@bundaberg.gov.au.
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Bundaberg Business Breakfast - Tuesday 25 July 2023
Small Business Friendly Program has finished this stageOur keynote speaker is Guy Leech, renowned professional athlete, ironman and winner of Australian television series ‘Survivor’. Guy will regale us with some of his inspirational sporting highlights and importantly his work developing his business, Heart180 and the importance of defibrillators, particularly in the workplace. We also have Dr Kimberly Masin joining us, an Osteopath, Pilates Instructor and Corporate Wellness Provider who regularly consults in the Bundaberg region. Dr Masin will explain the benefits of allied health practices, corporate employee wellness programs and education that aim to boost engagement, productivity and mental and physical health in the workplace.
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Bundaberg Business Breakfast - August
Small Business Friendly Program has finished this stage7am to 8.30am Wednesday 30th August, 2023 - Bundaberg Multiplex Sport and Convention Centre
Please join us for the upcoming Bundaberg Business Breakfast on Wednesday 30 August 2023. The theme for this breakfast is ‘How trade, investment, tourism and events align for regional prosperity’.
Our guest speakers for this event include:
- Justin McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, Trade and Investment Queensland
- Racheal Klitscher, Stakeholder and Industry Engagement Director, Tourism and Events Queensland
- Katherine Reid, Chief Executive Officer, Bundaberg Tourism
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September Small Business Breakfast
Small Business Friendly Program has finished this stageTuesday 26th September - Gin Gin Community Hub
The theme for this breakfast is ‘Building Strong Communities enables Business Resilience’.
Our guest speakers for this event include:
- Warren Davies “The UnBreakable Farmer”
- Brooke Fossey, General Manager, Regional Business HQ
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Indigenous Business Month - October 2023
Small Business Friendly Program is currently at this stageFind out more here.
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Doing Business with Council Suppliers Workshop
this is an upcoming stage for Small Business Friendly ProgramWednesday 1st November, 2023 (3pm to 5.30pm) - Bundaberg Multiplex Sport and Convention Centre.
Bookings open soon.
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November Bundaberg Business Breakfast - Launch of Guy Leech's Defibrillator App.
this is an upcoming stage for Small Business Friendly ProgramWednesday 29th November (7am to 8.30am) - Isis Cultural Centre, Childers
Bookings open soon. Find out more by emailing economic.development@bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
Bundaberg Business Breakfasts
Inaugural Breakfast - Tuesday 21 March 2023
Thanks to our Alyssa Sanders from Eco Tourism Australia and Eliza Chalmers from EcoBiz for their excellent presentations - and for everyone joining in.
Ecotourism Australia’s Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard is open to all tourism businesses wishing to start their sustainability journey in a simple and affordable way – just $250 once off fee. If you consider yourself part of the visitor economy, then this program is for you – it includes café’s, restaurants, bars, breweries, activity providers, art galleries, visitor information centres, tourism support businesses, and more! This new program complements Ecotourism Australia’s existing certification products, and aligns to the global criteria. Please click here for more details on the program and contact the Ecotourism Australia team if you have any further questions.

2nd Bundaberg Business Breakfast - Thursday 13 April 2023
Kicking Goals: Developing commercial and charitable partnerships
In this second instalment, attendees learnt about developing commercial and charitable partnerships. We were pleased to welcome Aaron Warburton, Chief Executive Officer at Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs Rugby League Club, Russell Postle, Chairman at Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) and Dale Rethamel from RACQ LifeFlight who explained the benefits of commercial and charitable partnerships between organisations and how this benefits the entire region.
3rd Bundaberg Business Breakfast - Thursday 18 May 2023
Theme: Challenges facing small businesses and how to work with the Office of the Australian Small Business
For our third Breakfast we welcomed the Honourable Bruce Billson, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.

4th Bundaberg Business Breakfast - Thursday 27 June 2023
Theme: Driving Investments: trends and data.
Katrina Houghton from .id informed decisions and Jonathan Pavetto from AEC Group, gave us some excellent insights into growth and trends in our region.
AusIndustry funded programs
AusIndustry funded program are currently available for small business (under 20 staff) in the region, with Regional Business HQ delivering face to face and online courses across Queensland over the next 3 years.
This exciting program comprises two elements:
- Free workshops for small business owners – these are being planned throughout Queensland for rollout over the next 3 years. Regional Business HQ's website will be updated with workshop dates and schedules as workshops are planned over the next 3 years. Topics will fit under these 5 high-level topics areas
- Introduction to digitalising your business
- Websites and selling online
- Social media and digital marketing
- Using small business software
- Online security and data privacy
- 1:1 digital support - Businesses will receive up to 4 hours support from a Digital Advisor to develop a Digital Action Plan that will assist them to understand their own digital requirements and develop a path for implementing digital technology. The plan will include recommendations for digital tool or any training the business may need. Where required a business will be referred to a Digital Expert for more tailored support and training. Cost for this is $110.00 including GST and can be booked now via here – Digital Action Plan - Digital Solutions (businessfoundations.com.au)
Find out more at Regional Business HQ's website here.
Upcoming courses include:
Promote positive mental health at work
The Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice 2022 (the Code) along with amendments to the Work Health and Safety Regulation, are important steps in keeping Queensland workplaces safe, healthy and productive.
The Code provides practical guidance and examples on how to comply with existing obligations. A small business toolkit is available containing links and resources to help you build a mentally healthy workplace.
In a recording, Queensland Mental Health Ambassador Hayley Lewis shares her inspiring story and experiences as a small business owner and Tanya Orzulak from WHSQ's Psychological Health Unit shares how you can identify and control psychosocial risks in your workplace.
Read more Business Queensland Connect news here.
Documents
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The Unbreakable Farmer - Business Breakfast Gin Gin.pdf (1.47 MB) (pdf)
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RBHQ - Business Breakfast Gin Gin.pdf (1.88 MB) (pdf)
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Justin McGowan BBB Presentation.pdf (5.41 MB) (pdf)
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TEQBT BBB Presentation.pdf (10.5 MB) (pdf)
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Economic Update Presentation - Business Breakfast Mayor Dempsey.pdf (1.78 MB) (pdf)
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State of the Regions Bundaberg June 2023 Katrina Houghton.pdf (1.91 MB) (pdf)
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AEC Presentation - Bundaberg Business Breakfast v2 Jonathan Pavetto.pdf (1.06 MB) (pdf)
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ASBFEO Bundaberg Business Breakfast 18 May 2023.pdf (391 KB) (pdf)
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Small Business Month Calendar (51.2 KB) (pdf)
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Aaron Warburton Bulldogs Final Bundaberg Presentation Thu Apr 13 2023.pdf (19.5 MB) (pdf)
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RACQ LF Rescue Bundaberg Community Presentation.pptx (124 MB) (pptx)
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2023_RFDS Bundaberg Council Partnerships FINAL.pptx (35.5 MB) (pptx)
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ecoBiz Presentation.pptx (2.21 MB) (pptx)
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Ecotourism Australia presentation.pdf (3.48 MB) (pdf)
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Business month flyer.jpg (297 KB) (jpg)
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Psychosocial Workshop Flyer (1.36 MB) (png)
Business Support Programs
The Department of Employment Small Business and Training have many business support programs.
The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training administers grants and programs to help Queensland small business continue to recover, grow and thrive by committing grant funds for businesses to increase key capabilities, embrace innovation, and assist high-growth businesses to capitalise on opportunities. The grants open and close and you can refer to the Small Business Grants Schedule to see which ones are due to open.
HR Support Grants - HR Support and Advice
- Up to $5,000 is available to provide immediate human resources (HR) support and advice
- A two-step process with Step 1 being engaging with an Industry Workforce Advisor to develop a Workforce Plan and step two being applying for the grant
Mentoring for Growth is a free business mentoring service available to Qld business owners and offers insights, options, and suggestions relating to challenges and opportunities that may be facing your business such as:-
- Business Development
- Growth and Marketing strategies
- Finance and Cashflow
- Export and Investment
- Human Resources
Small Business Financial Counselling Program
- Free help with all things financial such as cash flow, budgeting, resourcing, expansion etc.
- Contact is Melissa Meier, phone 0484 015 133, melissa.meier@frcssq.org.au
- Melissa can help discuss any of the small business financials side of things.
- There is a $5,000 Professional Support Grant now open with this program - Professional Services Fund Grant • (rfcssq.org.au)
Business Leap Small Business Mentoring
- There is no cost to businesses for this service.
- Contact: Ross Anderson
- Mobile: 0407 771 694
- Email: randerson@businessleap.org.au
- Ross is also part of the Eco-Biz program and can discuss ways to reduce our energy costs too.
Small Business Short Courses & Micro-Credentials
- No cost to small businesses
- Recruitment for small business
- Effective workplace Leadership
- Communicating effectively with people with disability
- Workplace resilience and wellbeing
- Cultural inclusiveness – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the workplace
- Cultural responsiveness – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in the workplace
UniSC Business Planning Course (with University of the Sunshine Coast)
- Designed to provide business owners with a clear understanding of the key factors than underpin their success and long term survival
- One morning per week for 8 weeks
- Face to face or online
- Content includes organisational analysis, structures, marketing, financial management, communication and presentation skills
- No Cost to small businesses
Incentives and Wage Subsidies for Trainees and Apprentices
As an employer of an Australian Apprentice you may be eligible for financial assistance from the Australian Government to help with hiring and training an apprentice.
Subsidised training for existing workers, jobseekers, apprentices and trainees
Business Launchpad
Business Launchpad is a free online tool that makes it easier to navigate business regulations in Queensland.
If you create a business profile you can see all the relevant licences, permits and regulations from all levels of government (local, state, and federal) in one place.
You can also save information, set reminders, and search what is needed for current activities and future planning at any stage of your business journey.
(Thanks to the Queensland Small Business Commissioner for this information)
Bundaberg Region profiles
Chambers of Commerce
Bundaberg & District Chamber of Commerce Inc.
President – Tim Sayre
Email: president@bundabergchamber.com.au
Website: https://www.bundabergchamber.com.au/
Childers Chamber of Commerce Inc
President – Margaret Smith
Email: Childerschamber4660@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/childerschamberofcommerce/
Gin Gin & District Chamber of Commerce Inc
President - Greg Collier
Email: ginginchamber@hotmail.com
Chamber and Industry Networking events
Childers Chamber of Commerce
Launch of Guy Leech's Defibrillator App
Wednesday 29th November (7am to 8.30am - Isis Cultural Centre)
The Chamber will join the Bundaberg Regional Council with a Breakfast in Childers at the Cultural Centre on 29th November from 7am to 8am. Guy Leech five times ironman will be the guest and Childers was chosen to launch his app around how to locate and use defibrillators which has become his life's work after losing a friend to a heart attack who may have been saved if one was close by. This is an Australian wide launch and there will be media from all due to his profile, so it is a huge event to be held in Childers. At the Bundaberg Breakfast a few months ago when Guy spoke of his work a defibrillator was given to a local sporting club after them applying and that club is Childers junior rugby league, so Childers is the perfect place to launch this app. The whole community is invited to this event so please share this with your contacts.
Book your tickets here.
Mingle and Jingle Christmas Street Party
Thursday 7th December (5.30pm - 7.30pm) - main street of Childers
There will be food vans, live music, and Santa! There will be shopping vouchers given away from our shop in Childers Christmas promotion as well, as the best dressed shop window in Childers. Bring the family for a night of fun and Christmas cheer.
Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce
Information to come
Bundaberg Business Women's Network
Breakfast Tuesday 5th Dec - 6.30am – 8am. Rowers on The River. Buffet Breakfast.
Open Networking. Everyone will have the opportunity to speak about their business if they wish.
Secret Santa! Book your place here.
EmpowerHer MarketFest 2024 - 9 March 2024 - Bundaberg Multiplex.
Become a sponsor or book a stall here.
Regional Business HQ
Information to come.
Who's Listening
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Phone (07) 4130 4182 Email kate.giles@bundaberg.qld.gov.au -
Phone 1300 883 699 Email engagement@bundaberg.qld.gov.au